Dementia cases are rising the in UK: How we can offer support

Dementia remains the biggest killer in the UK and is on track to be the nation’s most expensive health condition by 2023. Recent statics show that in England and Wales dementia cases could reach 1.7 million by 2040, this is over 40% higher than previously predicted.

At Taylor Bracewell Solicitors, our dedicated team are well versed and highly skilled in assisting individuals diagnosed with dementia, ensuring the safeguarding of their own and family’s future.

Within this article, we will cover the concerning surge in dementia cases, shedding light on the distressing impact of dementia on families and, most importantly, how we can offer valuable support to those grappling with this challenging reality.

Dementia cases are on the rise in the UK

A recent research study conducted by the University College London and featured in Lancet Public Health reveals a concerning projection: by the year 2040, an estimated 1.7 million individuals will be living with Dementia. This figure marks a significant increase compared to earlier predictions, which anticipated a lower count of 1.2 million Dementia cases.

Due to these predictions, it is evident that Dementia will have a significant impact on many more families in the years to come. It can be emotionally challenging as loved ones witness cognitive decline, personality changes and memory loss in the affected individual. Family members will often have to take on caregiving roles, which can contribute to the emotional and physical strain on the family.

The stress on family members are considerable, emphasising the need for support and understanding within the family unit. Additionally, there is often financial and legal implications to address such as managing the individuals affairs and legal decisions.

Legal implications of Dementia

When a family member is diagnosed with Dementia, it is important to protect the individual and family in the legal system. Living with Dementia presents several legal challenges for individuals and their families. These challenges include lack of capacity to make decisions, healthcare decisions as well as estate and financial management.

There are multiple ways to ensure a loved one living with dementia is legally cared for. The best way to achieve this is by ensuring a will and power of attorney is in place. However, it is critical to ensure a trained and well-experienced solicitor are involved to ensure their validity and complications in the future drafts these.

How to protect an individual living with Dementia

Here at Taylor Bracewell we understand the significant impact that dementia has on individuals and families. Our team of Wills, Probate & Trusts solicitors are well trained and experienced in ensuring loved ones estate and welfare are protected.

Our Wills, Probate & Trusts solicitors can help by:

• Drafting a will or applying for a court of protection – When an individual is diagnosed with Dementia is important to ensure a will is in place as early as possible to ensure their assets and property are dealt with according to their wishes. Our team can assist you in the process of drafting a will. However, in some circumstances, the condition will have progressed where the individual does not have the capacity to draft a will. In these circumstances, our team can apply for a court of protection application on their behalf to ensure a statutory will is issued, by the courts, protecting their estate upon their death.

• Review of an existing will – It is advisable that when a loved one is diagnosed with Dementia, or the condition is progressing significantly, if an existing will is in place then it is reviewed. Our team can help you and the family review the will to ensure that assets and property are divided accordingly to their wishes.

• Power of Attorney Documents – As Dementia is a condition that affects an individuals mental capacity, it is important to ensure that they are protected in terms of their property and health. Power of Attorney documents are an excellent way of appointing another individual as their decision maker, meaning they are legally allowed to make decisions on their behalf in regards to their health and property. More information on Power of Attorneys can be found here.

• Executor – We understand that in some circumstances, individuals are unable to be an executor of a will for multiple reasons. Therefore, our solicitors can act as an executors, ensuring their estate are divided according to their will.

In conclusion, the rise of Dementia in the UK is a pressing concern that will directly impact countless families. As Dementia cases surge well beyond previous predictions, it becomes evident that more families will grapple with the emotional and practical challenges this condition brings.

At Taylor Bracewell Solicitors, we fully understand the significant impact that Dementia has on individuals and their loved ones. Our dedicated team of Wills, Probate & Trusts solicitors are experienced at safeguarding the welfare and estates of those diagnosed with Dementia.

We provide important services such as drafting wills, applying for court protection applications, reviewing existing wills and setting up Power of Attorneys to ensure individuals are legally protected in both property and health matters.

With our expertise, we stand ready to support families on this challenging journey and offer the necessary legal guidance to navigate the complexities of Dementia. If you wish to speak to one of our Wills, Probate & Trust solicitors then don’t hesitate to contact our Doncaster team on 01302 341 414 or our Sheffield team on 0114 272 1884. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in contact.